Who is required to pay for travel, living, and other expenses incurred while attending additional Hardees training programs?
Hardees Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We may change or modify the Hardee's System, including modifications to the OPM, required training program, the menu and menu formats, the required equipment, the signage, the building and premises of Franchised Restaurants (including the trade dress, décor and color schemes), the presentation of the Proprietary Marks, the adoption of new administrative forms and means of reporting and of payment of any monies owed to HR (including electronic means of reporting and payment) and the adoption and use of new or modified Proprietary Marks or copyrighted materials. (Franchise Agreement, § 10.A.)
- 4. Provide other training to you, if we decide to offer any other training. We reserve the right to require you to pay a tuition fee for these additional training programs, and you will be required to pay all travel, living and other expenses incurred by you and your employees while attending the training. (Franchise Agreement, § 11.B.)
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 44–57)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are responsible for covering the expenses associated with additional training programs. Specifically, the franchisee and their employees are required to pay for all travel, living, and other expenses incurred while attending any additional training programs that Hardees may offer. Hardees retains the right to charge a tuition fee for these additional training programs.
This means that beyond the initial Franchise Management Training Program (FMTP), which Hardees provides to certain personnel at no additional cost within a specified timeframe, any further training will come with associated costs for the franchisee. These costs include not only potential tuition fees charged by Hardees, but also all logistical expenses such as travel, accommodation, and daily living costs for both the franchisee and their employees attending the training.
This policy is fairly standard in the franchise industry, as it ensures that franchisees bear the responsibility for upgrading their skills and knowledge beyond the initial training. While Hardees may mandate certain additional training to maintain brand standards or introduce new operational procedures, the financial burden of attending these programs falls on the franchisee. Prospective franchisees should factor in these potential training costs when assessing the overall investment and operational expenses of a Hardees franchise.